Oktoberfest In Maryland: Guide To 2021 Celebrations

MARYLAND — Practice your polka, get ready to down some brats and beer, and welcome back the season of Oktoberfests in Maryland.

In 2020, many German fests were scrapped due to pandemic-related restrictions.

For the most part, this year, the extravaganzas in Maryland — with their beers, brats and polka bands — are marking a return.

Scroll through Patch's 2021 annual Maryland Oktoberfest guide below, dust off your lederhosen and dirndls, and find fests near you. And Prost, from Patch!

The original Oktoberfest, a celebration of German heritage, culture and beer, is typically held over more than two weeks, ending the first Sunday in October in Munich. Because of uncertainty related to the coronavirus, Munich canceled its 2021 Oktoberfest, which it bills as the world's largest folk festival, slated for Sept. 18 to Oct. 3.

So far in Maryland, the 2021 Rocktoberfest in La Plata in Charles County and the Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt in Frederick County have been postponed until 2022 because of the pandemic. Hagerstown's Augustoberfest, held in August, was also postponed until 2022 and a smaller-scale event was held instead this summer.

Here are some of the Oktoberfest celebrations ahead for Maryland in the coming weeks:

Saturday, Sept. 11, and Sunday, Sept. 12: Brews and Blooms Oktoberfest in Randallstown will be Kids under 5 are free. Otherwise tickets are $10 for children or designated drivers and $20 for general admission. Sponsored by Braglio Farms, Sapwood Cellars and other local breweries, the event will benefit local first responders. Highlights are the venue, which is in a sunflower field on Marriottsville Road, with games, live music, ice cream, farm-fresh barbecue and more.

Saturday, Sept. 18: Oktoberfest at the American Legion in Havre de Grace will feature crafters, German food and drinks near the Susquehanna River.

Friday, Sept. 24, to Sunday, Sept. 26: American Legion Harford Post 39 Oktoberfest in Bel Air. Entry is $3 to this event, which has a build-your-own scarecrow offering in addition to other kids' activities, vendors, a money wheel as well as German food, beer and music.

Sunday, Sept. 26: The West Annapolis Oktoberfest is organized by the West Annapolis Business Affiliation. Craft, art and food vendors as well as nonprofit organizations will participate in the event, now in its 30th year. Admission is free.

Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2: Frederick's Oktoberfest is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Frederick County. Admission prices vary from $6 to $20, depending on age and beer consumption. Those who arrive wearing lederhosen or an authentic dirndl can get in free. Frederick's Oktoberfest will be at the Frederick Fairgrounds.

Saturday, Oct. 2: ROCKTOBIERFEST in Rockville will feature three stages for German, children's and rock music. More than 3,000 people typically attend this event, which includes beer, food and artisan vendors. Due to the pandemic, this year the festival will not have a reusable mug for sale or allow refilling of past Rocktobierfest mugs.

Saturday, Oct. 2: B&O Food Truck Oktoberfest in Baltimore will bring food trucks, beer, music and face painting to the Railroad Museum. Tickets are $10 to $20.

Saturday, Oct. 2: The Oktoberfest Craft Fair in Rockville is sponsored by the Woodworkers Club/Woodcraft. An outdoor craft fair, live woodworking demonstrations as well as food will be on tap. Derwood-based True Respite Brewing Company will offer up Marzen and other seasonal brews.

Saturday, Oct. 9: Oktoberfest at Dorsey's Search in Ellicott City is open to those age 21 and up to enjoy German-inspired food, beer and wine. Tickets are $12 to $18 and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.

Saturday, Oct. 9: Oktoberfest at St. Mark in Fallston. A flea market, live band, German food, beer garden and vendors will be part of this event. The rain date is Saturday, Oct. 16. Admission is free.

Sunday, Oct. 10: Gaithersburg Oktoberfest. Up to 30,000 people have attended this event in years past, according to organizers, who are planning the 29th Oktoberfest this year. The Kentlands will transform into a celebration with multiple stages of Bavarian music and dancing, with artisans, beer, mead and cider and other goodies. Shuttle buses are free.

Saturday, Oct. 16: Das Best Oktoberfest in Baltimore. Billed as Baltimore's longest running Oktoberfest, this event at the M&T Bank Stadium lots will include a pet costume contest, craft beer, wine, cider and schnapps. Oompah music and live bands will be featured. Cornhole, best beer belly competition, Miss Oktoberfest and other contests will be on tap at the 19th annual event. Tickets are $39 to $75 and include a souvenir glass.

Saturday, Oct. 16: Oktsobarfest in Ellicott City. This alcohol-free event sponsored by Sobar will be on the grounds of Forest Hill Swim and Tennis Club, featuring live music, lawn games, alcohol-free beverage samples, a mixology bar where guests can experiment to create the winning beverage, local food trucks, Meet and Greet the Ponies with Safe Haven Equine Warriors and more. Tickets cost from $5 to $8 per person. Those from local halfway houses and recovery programs get in free.

Saturday, Oct. 16: Berlin Oktoberfest & Sidewalk Sale will feature authentic German bands; German food like brats and knockwurst, pretzels, German chocolate cake, beer, mead and more; children's art activities; a sidewalk sale; and a reptile show.

Saturday, Oct. 16: Havre de Grace Oktoberfest offers German food, music, beer, wine and dancing as well as a children's zone with moon bounce. Held under a tent overlooking the Susquehanna River, the festival will continue even if it rains. Admission is free.

Saturday, Oct. 23: OCtoberfest in Ocean City will promote more than 30 local beers in Sunset Park. Food trucks and live music will round out the offerings. Children and pets are welcome. Proceeds benefit Ocean City Development Corporation. Tickets to the seventh annual event run from $40 to $55.

Saturday, Oct. 23, and Sunday, Oct. 24: Oktobearfest at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is now in its ninth year. The event includes more than 50 seasonal beers to sample, German food and vendors. Tickets run from $30 to $75. Proceeds benefit the zoo.

Sunday, Oct. 24: Oktoberfest 5 Miler in Columbia is cosponsored by Charm City Run Columbia and Hysteria Brewing Company. Registration is $50 to $55, although those who sign up five others can get it waived. If people want to participate virtually, they can. Proceeds benefit Bridges to Housing Stability, an organization that works to end homelessness in Howard County.

And, as we all know, last-minute cancellations can occur, so always confirm with organizers that posted events are proceeding as planned.

If we missed your town or organization's Oktoberfest plans, please send details and links to elizabeth.janney@patch.com. You can also post your calendar event on Patch.

See Also:

• Edgewater Restaurant Named To Best Oktoberfest List
• NoVA, DC Oktoberfest Guide To Beer, Music And Pretzels